What are common mistakes students make when naming Alkynes?

1 Answer
Oct 6, 2014

The most common mistake when naming any organic compound is making sure that you find the longest chain of carbons. This is the parent chain and is the basis for the name.

You have to remember that parent chains can bend and even form "s" shapes. Next you have to find the lowest count for the branches coming off the parent chain.

With an Alkyne, the triple bond will get the lowest count so you will start numbering the parent chain from that end. Remember to not change the direction of your numbering. The triple bond will dictate direction and any other branch will be numbered based on that direction.